Earth Systems Science

Earth Systems Science Track: For Enhanced Content Knowledge

Earn a Master of Science in Applied Science Education, and meet the nation’s need for earth science educators at the secondary level.

Earth science is a critical component of middle- and high-school curricula because it teaches processes that students can observe in everyday life and apply to their personal experiences. A firm understanding of the natural world makes other science course work more meaningful.

The earth systems science track is ideal for certified science and math teachers who wish to teach earth science. Our graduate program will support your professional development through summer institutes at Michigan Tech and online course work during the school year.

Earth and Space Science Teaching Endorsement

Upon receipt of your degree, you will be qualified to take the subject area endorsement test in earth and space science.

An advanced degree leading to earth science teaching certification is a smart option that lends you professional versatility. There are also financial and career benefits associated with an application-focused master’s degree; however, the most rewarding outcome of your training will be the positive impact you have on your students’ understanding of the world around them.

An Innovative, Experiential Curriculum

We know: the last thing you want to do is sit around in a classroom all summer, which is why the earth systems science track emphasizes field-oriented activities. Our summer institutes will give you the opportunity to get outside and explore the geology of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or Utah’s National Parks, natural hazards and human impacts, and more.

Teachers in our program interact with world-class faculty in science education, science, and engineering—benefiting from their classroom experiences and successes—and receive training in innovative teaching methods and applications. Join an inquiry-based graduate community that supports your professional development and addresses your students’ needs.

Year Three

Independent research and report preparation supervised by geoscience faculty

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* Michigan Tech summer professional development courses can be applied as electives. This includes, for example, the Educator's Science and Mathematics Institute Series (ESMIS), Geology of Utah Institute, and the Earth Science Institutes.

University Degree Requirements

Report Option

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in twelve months or three semesters following the completion of course work by regularly scheduling graduate research credits. The report must be prepared following the current procedures.

Students must also report the results of the oral examination and submit a single paper copy of the corrected and approved report in a sturdy binder including an original signature page to the Graduate School.

Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in course work other than the project.

All Students

Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA or 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis.

Recommended Deadline

Fall Semester: April 1

Spring Semester: November 1

Summer Semester: February 1

MS-ASE Tuition Reduction

The tuition rate for graduate students enrolled in the MS in Applied Science Education graduate degree tracks is 35 percent less than the standard Michigan Tech graduate student tuition rate. Note that only teachers with current certification qualify for reduced tuition.